The earth beneath my feet radiates the sun's heat, like sunshine falling upward. What I take for bushes are actually stunted, decades-old trees. Despite the Caribbean Sea slapping the shore near the path, the air is toast-dry.

Ceaseless wind and salt spray have crafted a landscape in this state forest on Puerto Rico's southwest coast that's more like West Texas than the tropics. Trees and bushes are smaller and fewer, though plenty of green mixes with earthy browns. Plants and wildlife have adapted. A dozen major trails lead visitors through this strange coastal preserve.

For the full article go <a href="http://www.sun-sentinel.com/travel/sfl-ricoforbraug05,0,2896375.story">here.</a>